People involved in major car crashes are often uncertain of what to do next. They may know that they can file an insurance claim or possibly even a lawsuit, but they may feel incapable of managing that process alone.
Thankfully, personal injury attorneys are available to help those dealing with the consequences of motor vehicle collisions. Car crash or personal injury attorneys assist those healing from injuries or grieving the death of a loved one during a difficult time. Their support can help people focus on rebuilding their lives instead of trying to navigate the complex compensation process alone. How much someone actually recoups depends in no small part on the skill and efforts of the lawyer they hire.
What questions should people ask professionals to better ensure that they retain the right support?
Can insurance cover my losses?
Many people dealing with car crash injuries approach the process with the expectation that insurance should cover all of their losses. However, insurance may only pay up to a set policy limit that could be far lower and the overall cost generated by the wreck. An attorney can help review the policy paperwork to educate about the amount of coverage available and therefore whether or not litigation may be necessary.
Do I have grounds for legal action?
Not every collision scenario automatically leads to a successful lawsuit. Instead, the injured party has to establish that the circumstances justify litigation. An attorney can help validate whether a lawsuit is possible.
Are there any third parties with potential liability?
Car crash injuries can be very expensive, and the people who cause crashes don’t always have the insurance or personal resources to properly reimburse the people they injure. An attorney can help clients limit their crash-related losses by determining if there are third parties who may have a degree of liability. Employers and vehicle manufacturers are both examples of outside parties that could be partially liable for a car crash.
Have you litigated similar cases?
Some attorneys have a generalized practice where they mostly provide advice or negotiation support. Not all attorneys have much experience optimizing insurance recovery, and fewer have experience actually litigating injury and wrongful death cases. Exploring whether an attorney takes cases to court or tries to settle every time can help a client determine if the lawyer has the experience necessary to handle their case.
What are my lifetime losses?
One of the most important services a lawyer provides relates to establishing a realistic estimate of crash costs. Lawyers help people figure out not just current total costs but also likely future losses. That support can be crucial when negotiating an insurance settlement or preparing for litigation.
People who contact car crash attorneys with the right skills may improve their chances of recouping their losses after a wreck.